Although manufacturers recommend storing your insulin in the refrigerator, injecting cold insulin can sometimes make the injection more painful. To avoid this, many providers suggest storing the bottle of insulin you are using at room temperature. At room temperature, insulin can probably be preserved for about a month.

In addition, the American Diabetes Association offers these guidelines for proper storage of insulin:

  • Don't keep your insulin in extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures.
  • Never keep insulin in the car, in direct sunlight or in the freezer.
  • Check the bottle's expiration date, and discard any insulin that's expired.
  • Inspect the bottle before inserting the syringe to make sure the insulin looks as it should.
  • Don't use insulin that has formed any crystals or clumps.


If you use regular, check for particles or discoloration of the insulin. If you use NPH or lente, check for "frosting" or crystals in the insulin on the inside of the bottle or for small particles or clumps in the insulin. If you find any of these in your insulin, do not use it, and return the unopened bottle to the pharmacy for an exchange and/or refund.

Syringe Reuse

Another problem with using syringes is the cost. Patients sometimes reuse their syringes may to cut costs and avoid buying large supplies of syringes, and reduce waste. Experts however advise that you talk with your doctor or nurse before you begin reusing. They can help you decide whether it would be a safe choice for you. If you are ill, have open wounds on your hands, or have poor resistance to infection, you should not risk insulin syringe reuse. Syringe makers will not guarantee the sterility of syringes that are reused.

Here are more tips from the American Diabetes Association on reusing syringes:

  • Keep the needle clean by keeping it capped when you're not using it.
  • Never let the needle touch anything but clean skin and the top of the insulin bottle.
  • Never let anyone use a syringe you've already used, and don't use anyone else's syringe.
  • Cleaning it with alcohol removes the coating that helps the needle slide into the skin easily.


Syringe Disposal

It's time to dispose of an insulin syringe when the needle is dull or bent or has come in contact with anything other than clean skin.

If you can do it safely, clip the needles off the syringes so no one can use them. It's best to buy a device that clips, catches, and contains the needle. Do not use scissors to clip off needles — the flying needle could hurt someone or become lost.

If you don't destroy your needles, recap them. Place the needle or entire syringe in an opaque (not clear) heavy-duty plastic bottle with a screw cap or a plastic or metal box that closes firmly. Do not use a container that will allow the needle to break through, and do not recycle your syringe container.

Your area may have rules for getting rid of medical waste such as used syringes. Ask your refuse company or city or county waste authority what method meets their rules. The CDC has more information about safe needle disposal in your area.

When traveling, bring your used syringes home. Pack them in a heavy-duty holder, such as a hard plastic pencil box, for transport.